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Omega 3 and Bipolar

Omega 3 and Bipolar Disorder research has revealed that concentrated omega 3 fatty acids in high doses show effective antidepressant effects and mood stabilization for many people with Bipolar Disorder.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential components of brain cell membranes, including those of neurotransmitter receptors. Bipolar Disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain involving neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals in the brain concerned with the functioning of nerve cells; specifically, the ones that affect mood changes, which are the major characteristic of Bipolar Disorder.

Omega 3 fatty acids also alter signal transduction and electrical activity in brain cells and control the synthesis of chemicals associated with neurotransmitters and brain action; therefore, Omega 3 fatty acids have a direct impact upon changes in mood.

Omega 3, in research study groups, was found to have mood stabilization properties, and showed significantly longer periods of remission in the subjects studied.

Omega 3 fatty acids come from fish oil, and are available in the form of pills; however, it's a large number of pills. Please be cautioned, however, as in any form of nutritional supplementation, to check with your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement in addition to your prescribed medication. Also, that any herbs, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc., such as Omega 3 fatty acids, should be taken in addition to, and never instead of your regular prescribed medication for Bipolar Disorder.

Omega 3 and Bipolar Disorder conventional medications appear to be well-tolerated together, with few risks. These risks are:

• Increased risk of easy bleeding if taking other medications are known to do likewise.
• Omega 3 (fish oils) should not be used by people allergic to iodine.
• Do not use if you are on blood thinners.
• Not to be used by those who are anticipating surgery.
• Increased risk for pregnant women and people with diabetes.
• Those using high-dose aspirin or ibuprofen should consult with their doctors before using fish oils of any kind.

Omega 3 side effects are basically non-existent. The only one is "fish burps," which is easily managed, however, by taking the pills with meals. If that doesn’t stop the problem, putting the pills in the refrigerator or freezer should help.

About the Author

Michele Soloway has dealt with bipolar disorder from a very young age. Her grandmother, mother, herself, and her teenage son all have the disorder. She also lost her sister to suicide because of bipolar disorder. Michele has a blog for bipolar survivors at http://bipolarsurvivor.blogspot.com, and is also a contributing writer to www.bipolarcentral.com.

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This Week's Bipolar News

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Mom abandons 18-year-old under Nebraska safe-haven law
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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Police say a woman has abandoned her 18-year-old daughter at a hospital, saying she can't control the girl, in what may be the latest use of Nebraska's unique safe-haven law. The woman told officials at BryanLGH Medical Center West that her daughter, who was adopted, is bipolar and has a learning disability, Assistant Police Chief Jim Peschong said today.

Click here for all Bipolar News.

Featured Article:

Romancing Your Spouse

"Romancing your spouse?" Ok, I can already hear you yelling at me! I know, it's a strange concept, but hear me out. Some of the longest-running marriages have lasted because of this very concept.

You may be thinking that this has nothing to do with Bipolar Disorder, but it does. Even the best of marriages has some strain on it - the pressures of day-to-day living, at the very least. However, Bipolar Disorder puts additional pressure on your marriage because of the issues you have to face in dealing with the disorder, whether you are the survivor or the supporter.

No matter how long you've been married, the suggestions in this article can put some "spark" into your marriage. And if you've only been married a short time, putting these suggestions into place now can help ensure a long, happy, healthy marriage (of course, you will still have to do some hard work yourself to make that happen as well!).

Click here to read the entire aritcle

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